(AP Photo/Andy Wong). Chinese fans hold the Spanish national flag and cards to cheer on Rafael Nadal of Spain as he plays against against Karen Khachanov of Russia in their second round of the men's singles match in the China Open tennis tournament at ...
By SANDRA HARWITTAssociated Press
Top-ranked Rafael Nadal moved into the semifinals of the China Open by beating sixth-seeded John Isner 6-4, 7-6 (0) on Friday.
The French Open and U.S. Open champion has won five titles this season and is closing in on the year-end No. 1 ranking.
"In general terms, I think I played with not many mistakes," Nadal said. "I don't remember a lot of mistakes. I went to the net very often. I think I did the things that I want to do, and I did it well, so very happy."
Nadal saved all three break points he faced against Isner. He will next play third-seeded Grigor Dimitrov, who defeated Roberto Bautista Agut 7-6 (5), 4-6, 6-2.
Dimitrov spent time practicing with Nadal in Mallorca ahead of the hard-court season. The two also spent time fishing.
"We went out with the boat," Nadal said. "We catch a few ones (fish), but not very big. But we had some good dinner."
Nick Kyrgios also advanced. The eighth-seeded Australian won when opponent Steve Darcis retired from the match with a neck strain while trailing 6-0, 3-0.
Kyrgios will next face second-seeded Alexander Zverev. The 20-year-old German beat Andrey Rublev 6-2, 6-3 and qualified for the season-ending tournament in London.
"I think it's great for any player to qualify for a prestigious event that we have in London," said Zverev, who has won five titles this season. "It's really an award for, I think, every player that shows that you've been one of the best players, not only for one or two weeks in a year, but you've been one of the best players for the whole year."
Earlier, second-seeded Simona Halep reached the semifinals by beating Daria Kasatkina 6-2, 6-1.
The Romanian could take over the top ranking from Garbine Muguruza. She needs to reach the final and not lose to third-seeded Elena Svitolina.
Halep will next face either ninth-seeded Jelena Ostapenko or Sorana Cirstea.
Petra Kvitova advanced by beating Barbora Strycova 6-3, 6-4. The 12th-seeded Kvitova will next face either Svitolina or Caroline Garcia in the semifinals.
Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.